FTA
TODAY
FQC: Moving Forward
The Path to Continued Development
of the Industry
By Jean Engelke
Since our last update in the May issue of FLEXO Maga-
zine, there has been a lot of activity with the Flexo
Quality Consortium (FQC). The Standards Working
Group has kicked off and has had several introductory meet-
ings with volunteer members (see Gary Hilliard’s, Hood Pack-
aging Corp., update). The new Anilox Project Team is also
busy organizing the next phase of its project, and an article
was published in FLEXO Magazine that summarized the UV
Ink Spitting project (See February 2012, pages 62-66).
The current project teams continue to move forward on
their objectives. Here is a brief summary of activity:
EXPANDED GAMUT
Final data sets have been sent to Clemson University for
recalculation. Once complete, Danny Rich, Sun Chemical
Corp., will summarize and submit a report to be published in
FLEXO Magazine. Danny will also present the final report on
Monday (October 15) of Fall Conference, so be sure to put it
on your calendar.
Phase 2 of the Expanded Gamut project is currently being
planned. Preliminary work is just starting and the team is
looking to utilize both existing and new members. If you are
interested in being a part of the new team, please contact an
FQC team member.
ISO-2846-5 PROJECT
As reported at Forum, this project has encountered a road
block. The team continues to look for a substrate that meets
the proposed standard. Leads are being tracked down, how-
ever, no substrate has been found. Jay Sperry, Havi Global
Solutions, will write an article outlining the challenges the
team faces to be published in FLEXO Magazine.
ANILOX R&R STUDY
The initial Anilox Roll Gauge R&R was completed and
reported out at Forum. A new team has formed to conduct
another gauge R&R of open cell engravings. Measurements
should begin in September and anilox roll manufacturing
companies and measurement instrument companies are par-
ticipating. The testing will again be run at Clemson University
and Dr. Tim Claypool of Swansea University will be the statisti-
cian. The objective will be to determine the repeatability and
reliability of current anilox measurement devices on commer-
cial open cell structures.
IDEA GENERATION
As stated at the Forum, the FQC is continually looking for
new project ideas. Some of these ideas may come from the
new Standards Working Group (see separate update) if tech-
nical data is needed to provide input to the standards bodies,
and the membership is also encouraged to submit ideas,
generate discussion or volunteer to address issues they face
every day. Make contact with Paul Lodewyck, Flint Group, or
Jean Engelke, Eastman Kodak, to submit your project ideas.
FALL CONFERENCE
Be sure to schedule time to participate in the FQC Update
on Monday, October 15, from 3.00 pm-4.00 pm at the Fall
Conference. The value of FQC continues to increase as we
get broader participation and input!
Planned items for discussion include
• A brief overview of the active projects
• An update from the Standards Working Group
• Danny Rich, Sun Chemical Corp., and his team will pres-
ent the results of the Expanded Gamut Project, followed
by a general discussion of the results and potential next
steps in Phase 2 of the projec;
• As always, a review of any submitted new projects and
time to give input on new projects of value to the industry
Please plan on attending and join your peers to help chart
the path for the continued development of our industry! n
About the Author: Jean Engelke, future project manager, East-
man Kodak, is a co-chair of the Flexo Quality Consortium. In
the past, Jean was the chair of Forum 2010. She has signifi-
cant experience and education from many years in flexo-
graphic printing, gravure printing, lithography, product and
brand marketing, research and development, leadership,
graphics process management, technical writing, communi-
cation and process improvement.
16
FLEXO
sEPTEmBEr
2012 www.flexography.org